Bruised hip not expected to sideline Mariners' Hernandez

PHILADELPHIA — Seattle Mariners ace Felix Hernandez acted surprised Monday when asked whether his bruised right hip might prevent him from making his scheduled start Friday at Boston.“What?' he barked. “I'm good!”Hernandez suffered the injury in the fourth inning of Saturday's 4-2 loss at Detroit when he was hit in the hip by Ian Kinsler's sharp comebacker. Hernandez lasted one more inning before exiting, at least partially as a precaution. Afterward, Hernandez admitted he was “pretty sore,” and he was still limping a day later. On Monday, he walked with no noticeable limp as he entered the clubhouse prior to the game.Last Saturday's short outing against the Tigers ended Hernandez's streak at 16 consecutive starts of pitching at least seven innings and allowing two or fewer runs.Even so, Hernandez (13-4) still leads the American League with a 1.99 ERA. Going into Monday's games, he ranked second in innings and was tied for second in strikeouts.

Share your comments: Log in using your HeraldNet account or your Facebook, Twitter or Disqus profile. Comments that violate the rules are subject to removal. Please see our terms of use. Please note that you must verify your email address for your comments to appear.